On January 25, a 62-year-old man was with his wife and a group of friends at the Belle Vue Lounge in The Boardwalk Resort at Disney World. It was reported that he was drinking bourbon and beer, and it was believed that he was intoxicated. At a table nearby, another group of patrons, one of whom was in a wheelchair, were enjoying their time in the establishment when the man reportedly went up to their table.
The girl in the wheelchair has Down Syndrome, and some of her family members were sitting with her. They reported that the man approached them and started making noises. It was believed that the man was mocking her, and the situation intensified when her mother asked him if that was his intention.